Letter to the Editor: Two landmarked properties should not be razed

Thursday

Feb 22, 2018 at 12:01 AMFeb 22, 2018 at 6:20 PM

The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach is deeply concerned by the proposed demolition of two landmarked properties: 323 Chilean Ave. and Duck’s Nest.

The first property, attributed to Addison Mizner, is a Mediterranean Revival-style residence representative of the charming homes that once dominated Midtown. Duck’s Nest is the second oldest residence in Palm Beach and represents the simple frame vernacular buildings early pioneers constructed along the shore of Lake Worth. The demolition of these landmarks would constitute an irreparable loss to the Town of Palm Beach and its residents.

Palm Beach’s Landmark Preservation Ordinance was adopted in 1979 for the "protection, enhancement and perpetuation" of landmarked properties. The proposed demolitions are in complete opposition to this intent. With both of these projects, the structural engineering reports submitted do not provide substantial evidence that these buildings cannot be saved. Furthermore, the plans submitted for "reconstruction" are in actuality plans for new construction. Reconstruction is defined by the secretary of interior and listed in the town’s Landmark Manual, "as the act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features, and detailing of a non-surviving building for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location." Both sets of plans include substantial additions to the original building footprints.

The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach has always been supportive of sympathetic additions and modernization of landmarked properties. Our Robert I. Ballinger and Polly Earl awards for rehabilitation celebrate property owners who work within the constraints of the Landmark Preservation Ordinance to accommodate the requirements of modern living. The Landmarks Preservation Commission does an excellent job working with property owners to adapt these properties with preservation principles in mind.

If 323 Chilean Ave. and Duck’s Nest are allowed to be demolished and replaced with imitations, we can assume a dire future for the town’s landmark program. Approval of these projects will mean that any landmarked property can succumb to the same fate. We must take a stand to protect our past for our future. We cannot allow our architectural heritage to be erased.